How to Deal with Chronic Pain Naturally
Many thousands of people suffer from some form of chronic pain and trying to manage that pain and still live a normal life can be difficult. Many traditional painkillers will help with the pain, but they can also have some unpleasant side effects. For that reason, many people choose to take a more natural option when looking for pain relief. Many such remedies have been proven to help with pain and inflammation without the unwanted side effects. Here are some of the remedies that you can use if you are suffering from chronic pain.
Willow Bark
Willow Bark has been used for thousands of years to relieve fever and inflammation. It is also used as a painkiller for back pain, arthritis, and tendinitis, although it can help with a variety of other conditions resulting in pain. The active ingredient is salicin, which was first used to develop aspirin in the 1800’s. Although it might not work as quickly as aspirin, it is thought that willow bark has a longer lasting effect and has no harmful side effects.
Cannabis
Apart from its psychoactive effects, there is an active ingredient in cannabis called tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. It is a powerful analgesic and has been proved to have pain relieving properties. Unlike traditional painkillers, THC has been found to help ease neurological pain without causing harmful side effects. There is also evidence that juicing its leaves raw can also reverse chronic pain and illness. Obtaining cannabis is subject to local laws, and you may need a special card to use it. In those states, some companies can help with the legal aspect; Quantum 9 Inc. medicinal marijuana in Michigan for example, can help you with the correct forms.
Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory herbs known at this time. It has an amazing ability to help with the pain of arthritis, gout, autoimmune disease, and other inflammatory conditions, and is as effective as traditional medication. Many people now take turmeric routinely for general aches and pains, and, of course, you can also add it to your cooking.
Kava Kava
There are some natural remedies that have more than one helpful effect. Kava kava, for example, has long been used by Pacific Islanders to help them relax after a long day. Intoxicating pepper as it’s known to the locals also has many other advantages. It is highly effective at reducing anxiety, easing nerves, relaxing muscles and subduing the pain. It makes it a prime candidate for those suffering from chronic pain because, as well as dealing with the pain itself, it can also deal with any psychological elements that the pain might have caused. Studies have shown that those with pre-existing liver conditions should seek advice before taking Kava Kava.
Skullcap
There are two versions of this herb, one is native to North America and has been used for over 200 years to treat anxiety, nervous tension, and pain. The other version is the Chinese Skullcap which is a slightly smaller herb. It has the benefits of treating infections, inflammation, headaches and is also thought to treat cancer. With these two herbs, anyone with chronic pain will not only be relieved of their pain but also have their anxiety calmed.
Valerian
Valerian is sometimes also blended with skullcap and has a long history of relieving pain. In many situations, it is used as a sleeping aid as it promotes relaxation. It also has an effective use for anxiety and psychological stress; both can in some cases, exacerbate the feeling of chronic pain. Valerian also has the ability to help with depression, joint pain, and even menstrual pain.
Devil’s Claw
Native to Africa, this herb has been proven to be highly effective in relieving pain from arthritis and lower back pain. In fact, it’s so successful at relieving pain that it has been approved as a non-prescription medicine in Germany. Studies have shown that Devil’s Claw is effective at relieving chronic pain after just ten days of therapeutic use, and there are no harmful side effects. The herb has also been used in place of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen to help relieve pain. It is particularly useful for this because it not only helps with the pain but also doesn’t cause any digestion problems.
Magnesium
Magnesium is high on the list of natural treatments, and there is a good reason why. It is a powerful treatment for nerve and muscle pain, but also has a positive effect on the body. Magnesium has been shown to help balance levels in the brain of a chemical known as NMDA. It is a chemical that is responsible for transmitting pain throughout the nervous system, and being deficient in magnesium can amplify pain. For this reason, supplementing your diet with magnesium can help reduce the feeling of pain.
SAM-e
A naturally occurring compound in the body, SAM-e or S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine has become a popular dietary supplement for many that are looking for natural alternatives to pain medication. It has a particular effect on osteoarthritis and depression and has been recognized as having anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. SAM-e can help to ease pain, stiffness, reduce joint swelling and even rebuild cartilage. Other benefits of SAM-e include treating fibromyalgia, bursitis, tendinitis and lower back pain.
Vitamin D
There have been many studies on the effects of vitamin D, and they have all found that being deficient in this vitamin can have profound effects on many parts of the body. One study suggested that a deficiency in vitamin D could lead to the likeliness of getting multiple sclerosis. Another study in 2009, found that patients deficient in the vitamin required almost twice as much pain relief as those with adequate levels. Supplementing your diet with vitamin D and getting plenty of sun could help with chronic pain.
These are just some of the natural remedies that are found to help with chronic pain. Some act of relieving inflammation, while others work by reducing your sensitivity to pain. The main benefit, of course, is that they have no harmful side effects.
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